Archive for the ‘Music Industry Events’ Category

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum is paying tribute to one of country music’s most versatile and visionary artists, Chet Atkins, with Chet Atkins: Certified Guitar Player, a biographical exhibit which opened August 12, 2011 and runs through July 15, 2012 in the Museum’s East Gallery.

Schedule of Upcoming Special Programs: (All times are Central and subject to change)

Oregon-based Brooks Robertson is a composer and arranger in the style of Merle Travis, Jerry Reed, Thom Bresh, and his own mentor, Buster B. Jones. In 2004, Robertson won first place in Prairie Home Companion’s Talent from Twelve to Twenty Contest.

In this episode of the long-running public television series, Atkins demonstrates his trademark guitar style as well his love of collaboration. His guests include Thom Bresh, Larry Carlton, Johnny Gimble, Peter Ostroushko, Butch Thompson, and the Prairie Home Companion Band. Free.

Past Program Videos/Photos:

Photos from the October 1 concert in salute of Chet by Joe Robinson and Pat Bergeson can be viewed here.

The August 27 concert by Tommy Emmanuel, C.G.P., in salute of Chet Atkins can be viewed online along with photos from the concert.

A video of the August 13 standing-room-only panel discussion with Steve Wariner, C.G.P.; Billy Edd Wheeler; and Paul Yandell, C.G.P., can be viewed here.

CHRISTMAS 4 KIDS – 11/21
On November 21, Charlie Daniels Band & Friends held a sold-out benefit concert at the Ryman Auditorium. A Gretsch Chet Atkins Country Gentleman guitar was auctioned as part of their fundraising efforts.

BIGSBY AT PHILLY GUITAR SHOW – 11/12 & 11/13
The Great American Fall Guitar Show took place November 12-13 in Philadelphia at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. Bigsby was there with a full line of products, demo guitars, as well as free installations and “pit-stop” program. Read more.

BIGSBY AT GUITARLINGTON – 10/15 & 10/16
Bigsby, along with Tom “TV” Jones and Gretsch Guitars, exhibited at the GuitArlington guitar show on 10/15 & 10/16. This one-stop GUITAR EXTRAVAGANZA included FREE Bigsby Installations (with restrictions) and guitar setups by TV Jones. Also offered were Bigsby Pit-Stops–a “refresher” for Bigsby-equipped guitars where our Bigsby technician checked to ensure guitars brought in by show attendees were at their tip-top vibrato playing performance. Read more.

USPTO Trademark Expo – 10/14 & 10/15
Bigsby & Gretsch exhibited at the USPTO Trademark Expo held at their headquarters in Alexandria, VA. The annual event is designed to educate the public about the value of trademarks in the global marketplace. This year included a special musical performance by a talented young guitar player named Enrique. Enrique was joined by the legendary Chubby Checker on Friday and by a variety of costumed characters on Saturday. Check out photos and videos from the event here.

THE SAVANNAH FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL & NOTEWORTHY ART GUITAR AUCTION – 10/7 to 10/9
The Gretsch Foundation—the charitable arm of The Gretsch Family—proudly supported the 2011 Savannah Folk Music Festival. The Festival kicked off Friday, 10/7, with concert performances in Savannah’s Ellis Square and part one of the “Noteworthy Art” guitar auction and concluded on Sunday, 10/9, with more music in Forsyth Park along with part two of the guitar auction. More information on the festival can be found here.

Fred Gretsch & Chris Desa, president of the Savannah Folk Music Society, appeared on WTOC11’s Mid-Morning Live on 10/5 to discuss the festival and Noteworthy Art guitar auction. Watch the program here. Immediately afterward, Chris performed a song on a beautiful art guitar he purchased at last year’s auction. Watch his performance. WTOC11 also aired a story covering the festival’s opening night.

GRETSCH NASHVILLE ROUNDUP WEEKEND – 9/30 to 10/2
The Gretsch Nashville Roundup happened over the last weekend in September. Our friends at GretschPages.com facilitated live streaming for those who couldn’t attend. In case you didn’t catch it, check out some videos from the weekend here. It was another great Roundup that included a special visit from Duane & Deed Eddy.

FRED & JOE SHOW CANADIAN TOUR – 9/25 to 9/28
Fred Gretsch & Joe Carducci took their “Fred & Joe Show” to Canada beginning with GuitarWorks in Calgary on 9/23, followed by the Edmonton Fall Guitar Show on 9/25, and the WestEnd Rock Shop on 9/26. Gretsch artist Paul Pigat also conducted a guitar workshop and clinic on 9/28 at Avenue Guitars in Edmonton. Check out some event pictures here.

GRETSCH AT ABBEY ROAD ON THE RIVER – 9/1 to 9/5
Another great event at Abbey Road on the River in DC took place over Labor Day weekend. The Fred & Joe Show brought standing-room-only crowds. A Gretsch guitar was also auctioned to help American Red Cross fundraising efforts bringing in $4,500. A fun, spontaneous sing-along broke out in front of the Gretsch exhibit while attendees waited for the doors to open for the “LOVE” performance. Check it out here.

CHET ATKINS: CERTIFIED GUITAR PLAYER EXHIBITION OPENING – 8/10
A special exhibition opening reception took place Wednesday evening, August 10, at The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum in advance of the exhibit opening to the public on August 12. During the exhibition opening weekend, the public was able to enjoy an exhibit introduction and talk by a Museum curator; a panel discussion featuring Ray Stevens, Steve Wariner, and Billy Edd Wheeler and illustrated with photos, film footage, and recordings from the Museum’s Frist Library and Archive; film screenings; and much more. The exhibition runs until June of 2012. Check out pictures from reception here.

CREAM CITY MUSIC – 7/23
July 23 was “All About Gretsch Day” at Cream City Music in Brookfield, WI. George Harrison Tribute Duo Jet display, door prizes, presentations, and a whole lot more! Check out a video of the display here.

SUMMER NAMM – 7/21 to 7/23
Summer NAMM 2011 included the Wanna Play Music public day on Saturday, 7/23. The Bigsby booth was a hopping place featuring a display of all Bigsby vibrato models, handles, books, as well as guitars equipped with the appropriate vibratos. Get all the details here.

BALTO-DC ROUNDUP – 7/23
At the Harford Park Community Assoc Center in Baltimore on Saturday, July 23. Attendees were treated to a trivia contest, giveaways, and much more with live coverage that began at 4 p.m. Check out videos from this terrific event here.

CHET ATKINS APPRECIATION SOCIETY CONVENTION – 7/13 to 7/16
The 27th Annual “CAAS” (Chet Atkins Appreciation Society) convention took place at the Sheraton Music City Hotel in Nashville from July 13 to 16. Folks from around the globe once again gathered to pay homage to Chet Atkins at this annual event. Gretsch Guitars and local Gretsch dealer, Broadway Sound, had a magnificent display honoring Atkins with his signature model Gretsch guitars, rare vintage photos & memorabilia. More info here.

SWEETWATER GEARFEST – 6/24 to 6/25
Gretsch Guitars was at Sweetwater’s GearFest 2011 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Fred Gretsch, Joe Carducci, and Paul Pigat attended with a special presentation at 1:30 p.m. on June 25. Check out a video of Fred & Joe talking with Mitch Gallagher here.

GRETSCH DAY AT STREETSOUNDS – 6/18
Gretsch Day at StreetSounds in Brooklyn, NY happened on Saturday, June 18. Included in the festivities were the Fred & Joe Show presentation, a performance by Gretsch artist Paul Pigat, an appearance by the lovely Kim Falcon, prizes, in-store sales, and a walking tour of the Williamsburg neighborhood by Fred Gretsch. View videos from the event here.

Two Music Greats Meet In The North

Every so often fate aligns to bring major figures in music history together unexpectedly. Such an alignment occurred this past September 26.

Two Icons of The Music Industry: Randy Bachman and Fred W. Gretsch.

It happened when Gretsch Company president Fred W. Gretsch and Canadian rock great Randy Bachman (founding member of The Guess Who) met in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Fred was there—in tandem with Gretsch Guitars product manager Joe Carducci—for the pair’s popular “Fred & Joe Show”, Canadian tour edition. Randy was there to sign copies of his recently released book, Randy Bachman’s Vinyl Tap Stories.

“The Fred & Joe Show” is the only event of its kind in the music industry. Where else can guitarists and music fans learn about the history of Gretsch instruments, the Gretsch Company, and the Gretsch family—all directly from the man whose name is on the products? The show combines rare film clips and photos with Fred’s personal reminiscences and anecdotes, creating a direct connection between the past, present, and future of Gretsch guitars.

Over the past four years Fred Gretsch and Joe Carducci have logged thousands of miles, taking their uniquely educational and entertaining presentation to music stores and guitar shops across North America. The Canadian tour included stops at GuitarWorks in Calgary, the Edmonton Fall Guitar Show, and Edmonton’s WestEnd Rock Shop. These shows were extra special due to the addition of a George Harrison tribute–a traveling exhibit of George Harrison memorabilia commemorating the Gretsch G6128T-GH George Harrison signature Duo Jet guitar. View more tour pictures.
Randy Bachman’s Vinyl Tap Stories features tales and anecdotes taken from Randy’s popular Saturday-night show on Canadian Broadcasting Company (CBC) radio. Included are stories about making music, discovering new guitar licks, and the often meandering route to achieving commercial success in the music business. Randy’s stories are told with humility and a folksy charm. Though a star in his own right, he describes the euphoria associated with meeting his own music idols, including Gretsch guitar great Chet Atkins. To bring the reader more closely into the musical context of the book, each chapter ends with a suggested playlist, while other individual cuts are referenced throughout.

Randy Bachman’s Vinyl Tap Stories is full of incredible stories about many of rock’s greatest artists—taken from the memory vault of one of the best-known among them. Read a review.

The Gretsch Foundation—the charitable arm of The Gretsch Family—is proud to support the 2011 Savannah Folk Music Festival. The event will present concert performances in Savannah’s Ellis Square on Friday, October 7, and in Forsythe Park on Sunday, October 9. In addition, an old-time country dance will be held at the Notre Dame Academy gym on Saturday, October 8.

The Festival serves as a showcase for the quality and diversity in musical talent found among members of the Savannah Folk Music Society. Performances will span the range of traditional, old-time, blues, international, folk revival, and contemporary musical styles. All events are free and open to the public.

"The Garden" by Barbara Gentry

In support of the Festival, the Gretsch Foundation has donated fourteen Historic Series acoustic guitars that have been individually and originally painted, carved, and sculpted by some of Savannah’s most creative and talented artists. All fourteen of these Art Guitars will be sold at silent auction during the Friday and Sunday concert events at Ellis Square and Forsythe Park.

The Sunday concert will also feature a second special auction, at which a playable Gretsch guitar—signed by all the performers—will be the prize item.

“Goodnight Irene” by Joni Bishop

According to Fred Gretsch, president of the Savannah-based Gretsch Company, “Gretsch guitars have been an important element of folk music for generations. So I’m proud that fifteen uniquely crafted Gretsch guitars will be a part of this year’s Folk Music Festival.” Fred himself is currently scheduled to promote the Festival with a personal appearance on WTOC Channel 11’s Mid Morning Live program on Wednesday, October 5.

"Trumpeting the Spring" by Kathy Miller

The Gretsch Art Guitar exhibit is viewable from now until October 7 at the Ellis Square Visitor Center in downtown Savannah. The Center is open from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Photos of the guitars are also available for viewing at the Savannah Folk Music Festival’s website.

For more information about the Savannah Folk Music Festival, including performer names and schedules, go to the “Festival” page at savannahfolk.org.

Throughout the history of the music industry, there have been artists who’ve gained tremendous acclaim and recognition for their accomplishments. Such an artist was guitar legend Chet Atkins, whose multiple claims to fame are well known and undisputed.

But there are also artists whose talents, accomplishments, and contributions to the industry somehow don’t garner them the recognition that they genuinely deserve. Such an artist is Paul Yandell, the long-time bandleader for, and confidant of, Chet Atkins—and a stellar guitarist in his own right.

At one point in his career Chet Atkins coined the term “Certified Guitar Player” to describe an artist who personified the ultimate in performance skill and musical quality. Chet personally bestowed the C.G.P. title on only four guitarists: Tommy Emmanuel, John Knowles, the late Jerry Reed, and Steve Wariner. But there was one more name that needed to be added to the list.

So it was that at a program held this past August 13 to mark the opening of the new Chet Atkins exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame® & Museum in Nashville, Chet’s daughter Merle Atkins Russell asked Steve Wariner to help her continue her father’s tradition and read a proclamation that officially conferred the final C.G.P. title on Paul Yandell.

The proclamation read, in part: Whereas, long a fixture as Chet’s band leader and confidant, Paul Yandell was truly invaluable. Whereas, he is no stranger to accolades for his many contributions to country music, the Nashville recording community, and the guitar world in his own rights. Whereas, observing that Paul Yandell was involved in the distribution of all the C.G.P. honors as Chet’s assistant, and being extremely humble and modest, recused himself of that very honor.

Be it resolved by the Atkins family that throughout the land Paul Yandell, thumbpicker supreme, be known as the last and final C.G.P., certified guitar player. Paul, you are truly the C.G.P.’s C.G.P.!

From left: Steve Wariner and Merle Atkins Russell presented the final Certified Guitar Player award proclamation to Paul Yandell on August 13. (photo: Caryn Wariner)

“I was thrilled to be invited to help honor Paul like this,” said Wariner. “Paul Yandell is my hero, and he deserves this more than anyone. He’s an incredible player and a dear friend to me, as he was to Chet. What a cool, classy thing for Merle and the Atkins family to do. So completely right!”

An accomplished player by the time he left high school, Paul Yandell moved from western Kentucky to Nashville in 1955. He began his career with The Louvin Brothers, working with them until 1959. After serving in the Army, Paul played for Kitty Wells from 1961-1970. He joined Jerry Reed in 1970, where, as he puts it, he “went to college” learning from Jerry. Paul joined Chet Atkins in 1975 and spent the next twenty-five years supporting Chet in his career.

As a top Nashville session player, Paul played on hit records with Atkins, Reed, Dolly Parton, Steve Wariner, Hank Thompson, Perry Como, Roger Whitaker, Kitty Wells, The Louvin Brothers, Les Paul, Woody Herman, The Everly Brothers, and Mary Chapin Carpenter. He also appeared on TV shows such as The Dinah Shore Show, The Tonight Show, Today, The Pat Sajak Show, The Merv Griffin Show and Nashville Now.

Following Chet Atkins’ passing in 2001, Paul released a solo CD entitled Forever Chet, which featured songs that Chet had performed throughout his career. Paul’s 2004 Dream Train release featured many of his own tunes—and was largely performed on the Gretsch “Nashville Classic” guitar that he co-designed. Paul released In the Groove in 2005 and Drive On in 2006. In 2009, he performed at the ceremony at which Chet Atkins was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville.

From left: Fred Gretsch, Paul Yandell, and Dinah Gretsch together at the August 10th reception celebrating the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum’s new tribute exhibit Chet Atkins: Certified Guitar Player. (Donn Jones Photography)

Fred and Dinah Gretsch (president and CFO of The Gretsch Company, respectively) were on hand for the festivities surrounding the opening of the Chet Atkins: Certified Guitar Player exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame® & Museum. They had the opportunity to meet with Paul Yandell, personally and on behalf of Gretsch Guitars, after Paul had received his C.G.P. award. “We spoke with Paul on Saturday and Sunday,” said Fred Gretsch, “and we know how happy he was. We were equally happy for him. Paul is a tremendous artist, and we’re honored by his long association with Gretsch Guitars. Dinah and I offer our sincerest congratulations to Paul, as well as our kudos to the Atkins family for their thoughtfulness in presenting Paul with his much-deserved C.G.P. title.”

Three Gretsch Generations Celebrate at The Country Music Hall of Fame® & Museum

by Fred Gretsch

The Chet Atkins: Certified Guitar Player exhibition at the Country Music Hall of Fame® & Museum will run through June of 2012. The museum is located in Nashville. Photo by Donn Jones Photography.

Three Generations of the Gretsch Family attended the opening ceremonies. From left, Will Gretsch, company president Fred W. Gretsch, and Fred Gretsch Jr. Photo by Donn Jones Photography.

This past August 10 was a special day for me. I was honored to be asked to speak at the opening ceremonies for the Country Music Hall of Fame® & Museum’s new exhibition honoring guitar great Chet Atkins. And I was extremely proud to be joined not only by my wife Dinah, but also by my son Fred Gretsch Jr. and grandson Will. So I was pleased to be able to say that I was speaking on behalf of six generations of the Gretsch family, three of which were present at the event.

Within the Gretsch family, we consider “enriching lives through participation in music” to be a core mission. So we’re especially pleased that this wonderful tribute to Chet features elements of the Country Music Hall of Fame® & Museum’s School and Family Educational Programs. These include a Teachers’ Guide and an Exhibit Family Guide, both of which are made available free of charge. These publications are designed to help school classes and families alike get the most educational value from their visit to the exhibition.

As a guitar manufacturer, Gretsch is proud of its long association with Chet Atkins. We’re honored to be the title sponsor for the Country Music Hall of Fame’s tribute to Chet, and we share the Hall’s commitment to ensuring that his unrivaled legacy will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.

For more information on the Chet Atkins: Certified Guitar Player exhibition, go to countrymusichalloffame.org. For more information on Gretsch, go to gretsch.com.

Gretsch drum great Stanton Moore recently completed a whirlwind clinic/performance tour of Australia, where he delighted drummers with his New Orleans-flavored funky style. Stanton’s appearances were part of the Drumscene Live Australia Tour 2011, sponsored by Drumtek, the country’s largest percussion retailer.

From August 14 through August 21 Stanton and his tour mates crossed the continent, entertaining drummers in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Newcastle, and Adelaide. They finished up at the 2011 edition of Australia’s Ultimate Drummers Weekend & Drum Expo in Melbourne, where Stanton conducted master classes on Saturday the 20th and closed the show on Sunday the 21st.

As a native son of New Orleans, Stanton is especially connected to that city, its culture, and its collaborative spirit. Inspired by a thriving music scene that includes such greats as Professor Longhair, Doctor John, and The Meters, Stanton is now regularly mentioned amongst these Big Easy mainstays.

In the early ’90s, Stanton helped found the New Orleans-based essential funk band Galactic. Their first album, 1996’s widely acclaimed Coolin’ Off, led to intense touring over the next ten years. Six additional albums later, Galactic continues to amass a worldwide audience.

In 1998 Stanton launched his solo career, aided by guitar virtuoso Charlie Hunter and saxophonist Skerik. The group’s All Kooked Out! release evolved into another project, leading to the first Garage a Trois release, Mysteryfunk (1999). In 2000 the trio was joined by percussionist Mike Dillon and has since released three more albums: Emphasizer in 2003, Outre Mer in 2005, and Power Patriot in 2009.

Stanton is also highly regarded as a clinician and educator. His Groove Alchemy book/DVD/CD package has been hailed by drummers and teachers alike, and was named best educational book and DVD in the 2011 Modern Drummer Readers Poll.

Gretsch Company President Speaks at Opening of Country Music Hall of Fame’s Exhibit Honoring Guitar Great

This past August 10 saw the opening reception for the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum’s new exhibit, Chet Atkins: Certified Guitar Player. The star-studded gala hosted many luminaries from the guitar world, including Steve Wariner, Duane Eddy, and Paul Yandell.

Fred & Dinah Gretsch. Fred spoke to reception attendees on behalf of six generations of the Gretsch family. Photo by Donn Jones Photography.

An equally important figure in attendance was Fred Gretsch, fourth-generation Gretsch Company president. Along with his wife (and Gretsch CFO) Dinah, his son Fred Jr., and grandson Will. Fred was on hand to salute the museum’s unique tribute to one of America’s genuine musical giants. The Gretsch Company is the major sponsor of the exhibit, which opened to the public on August 12 and will run through June of 2012.

Fred’s remarks to the audience during the opening ceremonies offered a combination of personal history and heartfelt admiration. Speaking “on behalf of six generations of the Gretsch family, three generations of which are here this evening,” Fred expressed the family’s pleasure at being involved with the new exhibit. “We can think of no better way to honor Chet’s memory,” Fred continued, “than to illustrate his accomplishments in such an entertaining and educational fashion.”

In outlining Chet Atkins’ achievements, Fred stated, “Few musicians have single-handedly defined a musical genre by virtue of their unparalleled instrumental technique. Fewer still have gone on to transcend time, style, and genre to forever alter the course of popular music. Chet Atkins is one of those few. Along with his profound influence on the modern electric guitar and those who play it, Chet was the architect of ‘The Nashville Sound,’ a new and distinctive approach to country music that vastly expanded its appeal around the world.”

Fred & Dinah Gretsch at the Chet Atkins: Certified Guitar Player exhibition, for which Gretsch is the title sponsor.

With an obvious sense of personal pride, Fred explained that the Gretsch Family shares a special connection to Chet. “My uncle, Fred Gretsch Jr, first signed Chet as a Gretsch guitar artist in 1954. Over his long association with the company, Chet was instrumental in the creation of the 6120 Nashville, Country Gentleman, and Tennessean signature guitars. All three are bestsellers still today, but the Country Gentleman is particularly revered by guitarists—ironically because of its use by another guitar great: George Harrison. The legendary Beatle was a tremendous admirer of Chet, of his music, and of the guitars he designed. Check out those famous clips of The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show 1964, and you’ll see George playing his Chet Atkins Signature Country Gentleman guitar.”

Fred concluded by saying, “The Gretsch Company is proud of its long friendship with Chet Atkins, and our family cherishes the special relationship that we had with such a fine individual. Today, we are honored to be the title sponsor for this terrific exhibition. We share the Country Music Hall of Fame’s commitment to ensuring that Chet’s unrivaled legacy will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.”